2014 Melka • CJ

The 2014 CJ is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. It was aged 18 months in one-third new French oak. This is a beauty, coming from various Napa AVAs. Melka is fanatical about getting high but soft, silky tannins in his wines, and this wine certainly showcases that talent. Deep opaque ruby/purple in color, with notes of mulberry, licorice, a touch of lead pencil shavings, spice box, black cherries and cassis, the wine is rich, opulent, medium to full-bodied, and ideal for drinking over the next 15 or more years.

Philippe Melka and his wife Cherie have had their consulting business in the Napa Valley for nearly 25 years. He is certainly one of the many influential personalities who have led the way in the dramatic increase in quality of wines that he has assisted in producing. Several years ago he began producing wines under his own Melka label. Here's a look at some of the new wines, which are all of exceptional quality, as what one might expect from his brilliant resumé.